Cream of Carrot Soup

This cream of carrot soup is a nutritious and comforting dish and perfect for those seeking a healthy yet satisfying meal. This soup is enriched with heavy cream and provides a luxurious mouthfeel. It’s a cozy meal that showcases the natural sweetness and health benefits of carrots.

You can achieve restaurant-quality smoothness by using a basic immersion or countertop blender. This cream of carrot soup recipe is ideal for a light lunch, healthy starter for dinner or comforting meal any time of the day.

Cream of Carrot Soup Ingredients

• Carrots: Fresh carrots add natural sweetness but frozen carrots work too. Skip the peeling to get the extra nutrients and fiber from the carrot skin. Just give them a good scrub like you wash any produce.
• Potatoes: Yukon Gold or russet are the best potatoes for this recipe. Their starchy texture helps thicken the soup and add to its creamy consistency.
• Onions: Yellow onions have a mild and slightly sweet flavor that compliments the carrots perfectly.
• Chicken broth: Make your own homemade chicken broth or use your favorite store-bought chicken broth brand.
• Heavy whipping cream: Use full-fat or heavy whipping cream for the creamiest texture.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the sodium levels of the soup.
• Seasonings: Ground ginger, dried rosemary, salt and pepper enhance and add a subtle zest and aromatic flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the vegetables

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Saute onion in butter until tender in a Dutch oven. Add the carrots, potato, broth and ginger. Cover and cook over medium heat for 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Let it cool for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Puree the soup

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Transfer soup to a blender in batches, cover and puree.

Editor’s Tip: You can also puree this soup using an immersion blender.

Step 3: Add the cream and seasonings

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Return everything to the pan and stir in the cream, rosemary, salt and pepper. Cook over low heat until heated through.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t let your soup come to a boil at this stage because the high heat may cause the dairy in the sauce to separate, giving your cream of carrot soup a grainy or curdled texture.

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Recipe Variations

• Sprinkle more spices: Enhance the soup with 1 teaspoon of curry powder, nutmeg, cumin or cayenne pepper for a warm and spiced version.
• Pick different potatoes: Combine carrots with sweet potatoes for a sweeter and more robust flavor.
• Flavor it with fruit: Add chopped apples to the mix for a sweet and tangy variation or a splash of fresh orange juice and zest for a bright, citrusy note.
• Roast the veggies: Boost the flavors by roasting the carrots, potatoes and onions before blending them with the other ingredients for a rich and caramelized taste.

How to Store Cream of Carrot Soup

Store leftover cream of carrot soup in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days. Gently simmer the soup in a saucepan to reheat. Add broth or water as needed to adjust the consistency.

Can you freeze cream of carrot soup?

We don’t recommend freezing cream of carrot soup. Dairy-based soups can become grainy after frozen and this isn’t a soup that freezes well. For the best results, serve this creamy carrot soup immediately to showcase its velvety texture and rich flavor.

Cream of Carrot Soup Tips

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What do you serve with cream of carrot soup?

Enjoy this luxurious soup with warm crusty bread for dipping, a fresh green salad for a light and refreshing contrast. Or whip up a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting and hearty meal. You could also serve it with roasted vegetables or a quinoa salad for added texture and nutrition.

How do you make cream of carrot soup thicker or thinner?

Simmer the soup uncovered to thicken it by allowing excess liquid to evaporate for a thicker and creamier soup. You can also add a thickening agent like a cornstarch slurry or more cooked potatoes. To thin the soup, gradually add chicken broth, water or cream while stirring until you achieve the desired consistency.

How do you make cream of carrot soup vegan?

There are plenty of ways to make this recipe vegan-friendly without using cream. Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream such as almond or cashew cream. You can also use vegetable broth instead of an animal-based broth.